Link to article: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-warns-security-risks-linked-migration-afghanistan-2021-10-08/
On October 7, Ylva Johansson, the EU Home Affairs Commissioner held a press conference regarding the situation regarding refugees from Afghanistan and the possible security risks for the EU with a possible resurgence of terror threats coming from Afghanistan. During the press conference she stated the EU should do all that they can for Afghans at risk and that although there are no signs of a large number of Afghan refugees heading for the EU yet, they should still be prepared in order to prevent a repeat of events with the 2015 Syrian refugee crisis. There is also increased concern of a crisis developing due to the possibility of an economic collapse in Afghanistan with winter setting in soon which could cause a famine and humanitarian crisis. At the same time she also addressed her concern that the EU should be put on higher alert regarding terrorist threats coming from Afghanistan and that when taking in refugees they should take the time to properly document and screen every individual.
This is a significant development because the EU is still trying to work out how accommodate the all refugees from the Syrian refugee crisis and that some in the EU are trying to take steps in preparation to try and reduce the possibility of an Afghan refugee crisis causing the same issues again and compounding the problems that the EU is still facing from the Syrian crisis. At the same time they want to be wary of terrorist threats from Afghanistan as there have already been signs of an Al Qaeda presence in Afghanistan and if a refugee crisis does develop, it is likely that at least a few individuals who have pro Al Qaeda sentiments or are Al Qaeda members will make their way to Europe.
This story is relevant to this class because the EU is an IGO made up of sovereign states who are worried about a possible refugee crisis coming from Afghanistan in which the internationally recognized government was disposed of and replaced. If Afghanistan’s economy collapses before or in the middle of the winter months, it would likely cause a massive humanitarian crisis which would require an international response from IGOs and NGOs to help solve.